About this sheet
Swiss Guard in Cuirass: Handcolored Print of Ceremonial Armor, Plate 42, 1862
This majestic handcolored lithograph, Swiss Guard in Cuirass, is Plate 42 from the 1862 second edition of Album ou Collection Complète, et Historique des Costumes de la Cour de Rome, illustrated by G. Perugini. It features a member of the Swiss Guard adorned in ceremonial armor, emphasizing the honor and history of this elite corps tasked with protecting the pope and the Vatican.
The guard is shown wearing a polished cuirass (breastplate) over the iconic Renaissance-inspired uniform of yellow, red, and blue. His helmet is embellished with a striking plume, and he holds a ceremonial sword, symbolizing his readiness to serve and protect. The carefully rendered details, from the ornate armor to the colorful uniform, reflect the dual role of the Swiss Guard as both soldiers and ceremonial figures.
The Swiss Guard, established in 1506, remains one of the oldest active military units in the world. Their ceremonial attire, including the cuirass and brightly colored uniform, has become a symbol of Vatican tradition and heritage. While largely ceremonial today, the Swiss Guard continues to play a critical role in Vatican events and as a visible symbol of loyalty and service.
This lithograph captures the grandeur and precision of the Swiss Guard’s ceremonial attire, making it an excellent addition for collectors of military history, ecclesiastical art, or antique prints. Its vibrant handcoloring and intricate detail bring this iconic figure to life.
Introduction Text Translation:
A powerful interest is attached to the name of Rome, an interest even greater in the name of Christ. Rome, through its genius, the vast intelligence of its warriors, orators, and legislators, prepared the cradle where Catholicism was born, grew, developed, and established itself. The history of Catholicism is the history of this great and glorious city among all others.
Virgil said in a truly prophetic verse: “To rule peoples, Roman, remember.” This prophecy received the most glorious, complete developments: all conspired for the glory of the eternal city—its history, its arts, monuments, and the religion from which everything starts and to which everything returns. Yet, no other city in the universe contains such a collection: from the monuments of Augustus' time to those of Sixtus V and Leo XII; from pagan temples to saints’ tombs and martyrs, all illustrate daily the majesty of Catholicism in its splendor.
It was natural to offer the public the tableau of the splendid costumes of the Pontiffs and great dignitaries, as well as those of the humble garments of religious congregations. This is what we retrace in this Album. Amid the religious costumes, we have also included military corps contributing to the harmony of ceremonies. These figures, drawn by the skilled artist G. Perugini, are accompanied by explanatory texts derived from the works of the learned Father Hélyot.
Table of Costumes in English (selected for relevance):
- The Pope in Grand Ceremony
- Cardinal in Choir Attire
- Bishop in Pontifical Costume
- Franciscan
- Capuchin Friar
- Jesuit
- Reformed Redemptorist
- Sister of Redemption (Plate 76)
- Religious Sister of Perpetual Adoration (Plate 77)
- Benedictine (Plate 78)
- Zocolette (Plate 79)
- Lateran Canoness (Plate 80)
- Senator and Pages (Plate 25)
- Secret Chamberlain (Plate 26)
- Caudataire (Plate 27)
- Capitoline Estafier (Plate 31)
- Noble Guard (Plate 32)
- Garde Civique Officer (Plate 33)
- Officer of the Line (Plate 34)
- Senate Guard (Plate 35)
- Carabinier (Plate 36)
- National Guard (Plate 37)
- Swiss Guard Sergeant (Plate 40)
- Swiss Guard in Petite Uniform (Plate 43)
- Swiss Guard in Cuirass (Plate 42)
- Swiss Guard Officer (Plate 39)
- Dean of Palfreniers (Plate 94)
This lithograph is a remarkable representation of the elegance and history of the Swiss Guard, making it a perfect collectible for those fascinated by military traditions, ceremonial attire, and Vatican heritage.
